frisbee4all

Hey everyone,

Wanted to get some input on my '99 with 328,016 miles on it. Took it into a mechanic who said the timing chain needs to be replaced, have been quoted by 2 mechanics close to ~$2,000. Wondering if it is worth fixing it. I've been driving it for almost a year with no crazy problems. It rocks a lot in 1st and 2nd gears if you're not giving it a lot of gas. There are some other minor electrical problems as well...

Otherwise, I may just wait until it craps out and buy a new car. Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

5150pa

New motors are cheaper...

If your car in general is fine, buy a used motor and enjoy your car for another 300k?

neocry

iTrader: (5)

Not worth it. I've bought mine (97 SE w/103,000 miles) for $2,500.

If I were you, I'd get a another 4th gen.

Dracc

I paid to get my timing chain fixed in my 3.0 like a dumbass before.. so not worth it.. get another motor and keep riding

southerng

wow, I was considering getting a used gen 4, as a replacement for my camry that got totaled . Are you all saying that having the timing chain on a maxima gen 4 maxima isnt worth doing, and its cheaper to just replace engines? or are you just saying its not worth it for how many miles he has on his car?

tfunkadelic

It sounds like your drop resistor has gone bad (it is responsible for allowing you to shift smoothly between 1st and 2nd when you're not flooring it).

This is an easy fix (5 minutes and a screwdriver) and you can likely find one at a junkyard for less than 10 dollars.

A timing chain job is worth doing if you can do it yourself. It is a slightly more involved job on these cars because you need to remove the oil pan to access the timing belt, but nonetheless it is a job that a backyard mechanic can do with common tools.

If you can not replace the belt yourself, you're better off buying a new car.

southerng

i am new to the forum, i did some searching, so is it true timing chains on maximas have a longer interval before needing to be changed, unlike on the camry that the timing belts intervals are suggested between 60k and 90 k?

Dracc

its not worth getting the timing chain fixed.. i paid 1k for my timing chain replacement just for the tensinor to break again and pop the timing chain and blow a rocker arm thru the oil pain.. 3.0 motors are cheap and great.. i got a 3.0 in DC for 200 with 70k on it..

asand1

iTrader: (1)

The timing chain should never need replaced. I think you need a second opinion in regards to the cause of rocking in 1st and 2nd. Sounds like motor mounts.

Dracc

this is tru but the common issue is with the timing chain tensinor and its made of plastic, and it breaks... causing sometimes... tearing teeth on sprockets..

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

With over 300k on the clock drive it til it blows up. I dont think its it chain either, its most likely the tensioners and guides. Replace the engine if you think the chassis is worth it. Other wise sell it as is and get a new car.

tfunkadelic

Your shop did a bad job. They should have replaced the tensioner when they replaced the chain.

Trini Boom

iTrader: (5)

Tensioner broke?? How is this possible?? The spring in the tensioner broke??

Shift_A32B

iTrader: (14)

with $2000 you can get yourself a used 3.0 and installation, you may even have some leftover. $2000 for the chain tensioner is just not worth it.

cashoit

If u cant do the job yourself...then jus replace the engine. 800-1000 bucks later, u back on the road.

ride2wheels

If you do have it done, then don't forget the chain, guides, o-rings, and water pump while your in there.

Jayson89NYC

iTrader: (4)

I agree with getting another motor here in new york city u can get a decent motor with about 100k for 300 bucks

Quickywd01

iTrader: (16)

Take a video of your engine running so we can tell you if it even has a timing chain problem.

cashoit

this too.

defiance

iTrader: (1)

Get a newer engine and tranny for the same price they want to charge you for a timing belt.That way you can ride around in the 4th gen for a long time to come! Just get one with under 100,000 miles.

Dracc

they did.. the chain rusted from them leaving the cover open and exposed in the shops yard.. but i'm 3.5 now and it was way cheaper then 2k to do the 3.5 swap then fixing the chains

worldwiderecognized

iTrader: (9)

I am having this issue. I mean, considering my mechanic told me "this engines f*cked" the car doesnt start anymore after getting a clicking messed up sound from around the timing chain particularly during lower idles. I was getting a clicking sound for a while and really low idle when at lower speeds or stopped and eventually just wouldnt start one day. Cranked but didnt fire up. He said the fuel injectors were getting cut off. because of the timing jumping, etc. So I assume that has to do with the timing chain. I KNOW he doesnt want to do the job. Considering he told me I shouldnt bother putting a new engine in my max. (I have a 95) and he's right. The body doesn't even warrant it. My issue is trying to get reasonable insurance with a new vehicle though. Due to me being afraid they'll check my driving abstract which they havent done in a while.

Is the engine still fixable with a new timing chain kit even after its gotten to the point of not starting up anymore? I found some on Ebay for around 200. So I'm curious. But I assume my best bet is just to pick up another max for like under 1000. And if my insurance doesnt give me a reasonable quote for changing cars over. Then maybe do a swap from it.

Ugh, do I ever hate insurance companies ;P

I suppose its just not worth it though eh? Even if my insurance jumps 300 a month because of switching to a new car. If even the same year or close to it. Bah!

frisbee4all

Anything specific to include in the video, besides a wide view shot. Don't have a HD video camera if you're looking for something really detailed. Will post tomorrow.


A timing chain job is worth doing if you can do it yourself. It is a slightly more involved job on these cars because you need to remove the oil pan to access the timing belt, but nonetheless it is a job that a backyard mechanic can do with common tools.

If you can not replace the belt yourself, you're better off buying a new car.[/QUOTE]

I've got some basic tools and some basic knowledge. No jackstands, and not much place to work (apartment building).

Some background info on the issue for those that don't believe it to be a timing chain problem.

CEL came on for O2 sensor and knock sensor, car was also stalling randomly at idle and sometimes while driving between shifts. It also had "power surges" where the car would buck.

Mechanic(s) replaced vacuum hose (???) then O2 sensor and finally MAF sensor.

This solved the random stalling issues, but not the bucking when I'm cruising in 1st & 2nd.

2 mechanics both said knock sensor is being triggered by timing chain (CEL came back on). CEL randomly went off, but I also notice my clock keeps re-setting and when I turn my headlights on the dashboard lights dim....Not sure what type of electrical problems are causing those. I do know my uncle drove the car pretty hard-core, and did OK job at maintaining.

Thanks for all the input, will look into new motors!

worldwiderecognized

iTrader: (9)

^ good luck dude. I'm not sure what I'll do just yet. In Canada prices are like double or triple that of anything in the US, and not just for car parts either.

southerng

wow knowing timing chains can go much longer than timing belts makes me more excited and motived to get a maxima instead of replacing the camry

worldwiderecognized

iTrader: (9)

used to own a 96 camry. not a bad car. but the maxima, def. wins.

MaxMoe

I know I may be late in joining this thread... but does anyone know a decent mechanic in the Bronx/New York area that can do an engine swap for me? The car is a 96 Maxima, and I want to replace the current engine with another stock Vq30DE. Please feel free to email me at mwright2899@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!

AZMarkus

328K !

From a financial point, you got you money's worth out of the current set-up, drive it until it goes boomboom.

LTXMitch

Wow $2,000 for a chain... my 4th gen. Cost me $2300. I wouldn't even bother cause even then your putting an engine in a car where everything has been 328k miles. If you could do it yourself I would. But not pay $2000 for it. Its like putting a new heart in a 100 year old person but all the other organs are failing

Wow $2,000 for a chain... my 4th gen. Cost me $2300. I wouldn't even bother cause even then your putting an engine in a car where everything has been 328k miles. If you could do it yourself I would. But not pay $2000 for it. Its like putting a new heart in a 100 year old person but all the other organs are failing

Wow $2,000 for a chain... my 4th gen. Cost me $2300. I wouldn't even bother cause even then your putting an engine in a car where everything has been 328k miles. If you could do it yourself I would. But not pay $2000 for it. Its like putting a new heart in a 100 year old person but all the other organs are failing

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

I was quoted 700$ + 230$ parts, to include tensioners back when I was a paranoid little guy. Never did it though.

I did do the water pump for 300$, including parts.


/thread

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

The key to making a timing chained motor last is to change your oil regularly. The chain and guides live in and depend on a well oiled environment. By changing your oil regularly, you keep all your oil passages clean and gunk free, and your chain happily soaked in lube.

My 98 I30 has 190K miles on it now......no sign of timing chain issues. I change my oil about every 5K miles....she'll go 300 to 400K miles easily.

NmexMAX

iTrader: (22)

You quoted someone from 2011. That also hasn't logged in since then.


Good post none the less.

dwapenyi

iTrader: (3)

Only 2 years back? Gotta fix the time machine. Where's this guy when u need him?